Word Meaning
बातिल-उस-सेहर
bātil-us-sehar
Meaning
That which nullifies magic; an enchantment-breaker or counter-charm.
Detailed Meaning
In classical Islamic and poetic traditions, 'bātil-us-sihr' refers to an amulet, incantation, or antidote used to break and nullify spells of sorcery. In this couplet, it refers to all counter-spells or charm-breakers proving futile and false before the overwhelming magic of the beloved's eyes. The poet plays on the root 'bātil' (null/false) contrasting with the enchantment ('sihr') of the beloved.
Etymology
Arabic compound consisting of 'bātil' (null, void) + the definite article 'al-' + 'sihr' (magic, sorcery).
Usage
Used metaphorically in classical ghazal to show that the beloved's captivating gaze is an incurable sorcery beyond the power of any counter-spell.
Examples
batil-us-sehar sabhi be-asar the
uski nigah par koi batil-us-sehar na chala